Bylaws of the working groups within the A.E.P.C.

For the study of particular subjects, Working Groups and Task Forces may be proposed by Council or members interested in the field, and shall be considered for approval at an Annual Business Meeting.

The aim of the Working Groups and Task Forces is to promote the knowledge of the subject to exchange information, establish registries and organize research and multicenter studies. The Working Groups and Task Forces shall establish appropriate recommendations in terms of training requirements and guidelines for AEPC.

Each Working Group and Task Force should hold an Annual Business Meeting during the Annual AEPC Meeting. A report of the activities should be given during the Business meeting of the Association.

Working Groups and Task Forces will be invited by AEPC to contribute to the scientific programme of the Annual Meeting. In addition they are requested to organize teaching courses in conformity with the Educational Committee and the Scientific Secretary.

Each Working Group and Task Force is governed by a Council of a minimum of 5 Ordinary Members, namely a Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Councillor and a Junior Member. If appropriate, the Working Groups and Task Forces may elect up to two more Councillors. As a rule, officers should not undertake more than one chairmanship at a time.

Councillors and officers shall serve a period of three years. At least one Councillor shall retire each year. Re-election shall be possible only once but not for the same office. As a rule the Council of a Working Group and Task Force should not have more than one member from the same country.

The rules for voting and election in Council and at the Business Meeting are according to the AEPC constitution.

To support their activities, Working Groups and Task Forces obtain funds from AEPC, which are part of the annual subscription fee. To join more than one Working Group or Task Force an additional fee is required. Working Groups and Task Forces are responsible for their funds and shall submit a brief annual financial report to the AEPC Council.

For all Working Group and Task Force activities a budget plan and final balance should be presented to the AEPC Council. A surplus shall be transferred to the Working Group or Task Force account.

The AEPC shall not be liable for expenditures of the Working Groups and Task Forces in excess of their funds without previous approval from the Council.__

In case of dissolution of a Working Group or Task Force, the remaining funds are transferred to the general account of the AEPC.

This version of the by-laws were discussed at the SAC in London 2013 and after small amendments Approved by the Council at the Council Meeting in Amsterdam Sept 1, 2013.